Milos Kerkez has been told he needs to "prove the doubters wrong" at Liverpool this season
Milos Kerkez #6 of Liverpool walks down the pitch during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez(Image: (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
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Milos Kerkez has been told he is approaching "crunch time" in his Liverpool career and he needs to "prove the doubters wrong" at Anfield this season.
And former Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson has also backed Rio Ngumoha to become the breakout star under Andoni Iraola.
Kerkez signed from Bournemouth last summer in a £40m deal and replaced Andy Robertson as the Reds' first choice left-back, making 34 Premier League appearances in total under Arne Slot.
It was a difficult campaign in general at Anfield, however, as the Reds lost 20 times in all competitions and 12 in the league, resulting in Slot being relieved of his duties at the end of May.
Slot's successor, Andoni Iraola, was the head coach who helped Kerkez become a £40m Premier League defender at Bournemouth and speaking ahead of the new term, former Reds defender Johnson says the coming campaign is critical for the Hungary international.
“I think this season is crunch time for Milos Kerkez," Johnson told SeatPin. "It’s time for him to prove the doubters wrong.
"He was great at Bournemouth and struggled for Liverpool last season.
"He did show glimpses at times, but he needs to put in top performances much more consistently. I think Iraola coming into Liverpool will help him out a lot.
"Iraola knows his strengths and how to get the best out of him, so I fully expect him to improve tenfold this season.
"If he doesn’t, then I’m not sure he has any excuses left, he must improve this year.”
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Johnson, who made 200 appearances across a six-year career at Liverpool between 2009 and 2015, has also tipped Ngumoha to continue his impressive development.
Johnson added: “If Cody Gakpo leaves the club, then that would be a great opportunity for Rio Ngumoha to become a first-team regular this season.
"He was knocking on the door last season, regardless of who was playing, and now they have fewer options to choose from.
"I know he generally operates from the left, but if he could play on the right-hand side, then I think he will get plenty of game time.
“I can’t imagine switching wings being a big problem for such a young player with limitless talent.
"He’s still learning the game and getting out of his comfort zone could improve his game even further.
"Rio looked unstoppable at times last season, he put in some incredible performances, and I think his game time will only improve this year. I think this could be his breakout season.”